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Difficulty: EasyHigh Risk Behaviors

A clinic nurse is providing discharge instructions to an adult client who has a history of intravenous (IV) substance use and is not currently seeking rehabilitation. Which harm-reduction strategies should the nurse emphasize to promote the client's safety? (Select all that apply.)

  1. Obtain and use a new, sterile syringe for every injection.Answer
  2. Wipe the planned injection site with an alcohol pad before inserting the needle.Answer
  3. Ensure a peer is present and has access to a naloxone kit when injecting.Answer
  4. D
    Share injection supplies only with individuals who appear healthy.
  5. E
    Clean used needles with hot tap water to prepare them for reuse.

Answer

The correct strategies include using a new, sterile syringe for every injection, wiping the injection site with an alcohol pad beforehand, and ensuring a peer is present with access to a naloxone kit.
Harm reduction strategies for intravenous substance use focus on minimizing the risk of infection, vein damage, and fatal overdose. Using a new, sterile needle and syringe for every injection prevents the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Cleaning the injection site with alcohol reduces the introduction of skin flora into the bloodstream, preventing abscesses and endocarditis. Finally, having a naloxone kit available and avoiding solitary drug use ensures that a life-saving intervention can be administered promptly in the event of an overdose.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's high-risk behavior and the purpose of the education.
The client actively uses intravenous substances and needs harm-reduction strategies.
Understanding the behavior allows the nurse to provide relevant, non-judgmental education focused on safety.
2
Determine the fundamental goals of harm reduction for this specific population.
The main goals include preventing fatal overdoses, reducing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, and preventing localized skin or systemic infections.
Harm reduction acknowledges the ongoing behavior and focuses on minimizing its severe negative health impacts.
3
Evaluate each instructional option against established harm-reduction principles.
Strategies promoting sterile equipment, site hygiene, and overdose preparedness are correct. Strategies suggesting any form of sharing or improper cleaning are incorrect.
Evidence-based practice dictates that needles must never be shared or reused, and overdose reversals require immediate intervention by another person.

Key Concept

Harm reduction strategies for intravenous substance use
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Topics

High Risk Behaviors

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